Nightwish – “Highest Hopes: The Best of Nightwish”

There is so much talent that shines through on this album. People with closed minds would probably laugh off the album/band as they do with bands like HIM and The Rasmus (both Finland natives), but having sold more then 2 million records worldwide makes you think, hmm operatic metal, synth metal, goth metal or whatever you want to call it, is indeed diverse. I haven’t heard anything like this except for a few sad North American band attempts, which will remain nameless, but your smart kids, you’ll know.

“to stand between the candle and the shining moon”

The band consists of founder and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen; he recruited a Finnish opera vocalist by the name of Tarja Turunen (who is apparently the Amy Lee of the band, the one who is on all the magazine covers). Following Tarja he then recruited guitarist Emppo Vuorinen, bassist Sami Vänskä and drummer Jukka Nevalainen.

If this is your first time getting into Nightwish it’s a great collection of the old, the new, and the covered (Pink Floyd’s “High Hopes” and Gary Moore’s: “Over The Hills and Far Away”). Like any other “Best of’s” it’s packed with fan favourites; one highly noticeable one is “Bless the Child”.

Not only is the album packed with an enormous amount of musical talent, but the lyrics also flow like poems that roll of the tongue of a poet. That was my cheap attempt at a poem, go ahead laugh, see if I care. In any case the lyrics are dark and talk about death, but there something so beautiful in something so dark. And the fact that a woman is singing makes it more innocent and fantastical. The arrangements are also innovative and exceptional.

The only sad thing is the drama between Tarja and Nightwish. Apparently after a massive concert which was videotaped for release, the band handed Tarja a letter letting her know how they felt and that she was dismissed from the band after 9 years of musical matrimony. This all happened in 2003 and Tarja has released her statement. It’s sad to see things like this happen, music is like a child, but can you really stay together for the kids? I guess this album is for an acquired taste. There sound is dynamic and diverse. Check this band out, cause I said so!

9 Luciano Pavarotti tickets priced at $750 out of 10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Wish I Had An Angel
02. Stargazers
03. Kinslayer
04. Ever Dream
05. Elvenpath
06. Bless The Child
07. Nemo
08. Sleeping Sun (2005 Version)
09. Dead To The World
10. Over The Hills And Far Away
11. Deep Silent Complete
12. Sacrament Of Wilderness
13. Walking In The Air
14. Wishmaster
15. Dead Boy’s Poem
16. High Hopes

Run Time: 50:23
Release Date: 09.27.2005